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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership. Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than buying from dealers. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs that offer a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. These devices are not free. In some cases it can be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed in response to rising levels of car theft. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself. If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a car with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership. It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they often cost higher than a locksmith. They achieve this because they profit from the “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which are connected to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges. The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original key is lost. car key cutting and programming can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced. If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's chips or cutout that shows signs of an old key. A key duplication machine is a different option, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may damage the key's electronics or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with keys Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price. If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Find a key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer. Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. They can be costly to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the dealer in your vehicle. Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will help you open your trunk and hatch. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership. It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.